What was Jesus doing and where was his head at? It’s a common ponderance. We all know what happened at the end of the week, but what about in the days leading up to the crucifixion? We can assign some days to the narrative in the Gospels, but some might be assumptions based on the descriptions of his actions that week. The following comes from the Book of Mark. I find it amazing to think that Jesus knew what was going to happen to him, but he still was teaching and sharing knowledge with his people.
On Sunday, he had just ridden in on a colt (that wasn’t his, had never been ridden, acquired by his apostles) and triumphantly entered Jerusalem to shouts of Hosanna. (Mark 11: 1-11)
On Monday, he cursed the fig tree, later telling the apostles — who marveled at his command — “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “Truly tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” (Mark 11:22-26″)
On Tuesday, he challenged the priests and church elders on where John the Baptist got his authority, from Heaven or from Man. He did a lot of teaching and shared parables that day, including the parable of the tenants, on paying tax, marriage, the widow’s offering the greatest commandment, among others. (Mark 12)
On Wednesday, he appears to be in Bethany, where the woman breaks open the alabaster jar of perfume and pours it on Jesus’ head. Some criticize her, but Jesus speaks up for her. “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”
That brings us to Thursday and the Last Supper.
These days earlier in the week are important, and they give us a sense of Jesus and his followers as they moved into what would be the most important week of their young lives.
Savor this Holy Week. There are many devotionals and plans to read and follow. May you grow closer to the Lord as we get closer to celebrating his death and mighty resurrection!
